Types of Evidence At St. Louis Car Crash Scene

At a car crash scene, there are several types of evidence you can collect to help reconstruct the accident and determine fault. Here's a breakdown of some key categories:

Physical Evidence:

Vehicle Damage: Document the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident. Take pictures from various angles, including close-up shots of dents, scratches, and broken parts.
Debris: Look for any debris scattered around the scene, such as broken glass, car parts, or pieces of clothing. Photograph the debris and note its location. This debris can help investigators understand the point of impact and the direction vehicles were traveling.
Skid Marks: If there are skid marks on the road, take pictures of them from different angles. The length and direction of skid marks can indicate how fast a vehicle was traveling and whether the driver attempted to brake before impact.
Roadway Damage: Document any damage to the road surface, guardrails, or traffic signs. This can be relevant in cases where poor road conditions might have contributed to the accident.

Scene Documentation:

Photographs: As mentioned earlier, pictures are crucial for capturing the scene exactly as it was. Take pictures of the entire scene, including the positions of the vehicles, debris, skid marks, road damage, and surrounding areas (traffic signs, weather conditions, etc.).
Videos (if possible): If you're able to do so safely, take a video of the scene, walking around the perimeter and narrating your observations. This can provide a more comprehensive record of the scene compared to static photos.

Witness Information:

Statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Their statements about what they saw can be valuable evidence in determining fault.
Dashcam Footage: If you or another car involved in the accident had a dashcam, see if it captured footage of the collision. Dashcam footage can provide a clear view of what transpired leading up to and during the accident.

Police Report:

Official Record: The police report is a crucial document that serves as an official record of the accident. It will typically include details like the date, time, location, weather conditions, parties involved, their statements, and a preliminary assessment of fault. While not always conclusive, the police report can be a valuable starting point.

Remember:

Safety First: Your safety is the top priority. Don't attempt to collect evidence if it puts you in danger of oncoming traffic or further harm.
Focus on Key Details: While pictures of the accident scene are important, prioritize capturing vital details like vehicle damage, skid marks, and road damage.
Don't Move Evidence: Avoid moving or disturbing any debris or skid marks at the scene. This could potentially tamper with evidence and hinder the investigation.
Report the Accident: Always report the accident to the police, even if the damage seems minor. They can create a police report, which is important for insurance purposes and potential legal actions.

By collecting and preserving as much evidence as possible, you can strengthen your case and ensure a more accurate reconstruction of the accident. In some situations, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can be helpful. They can guide you through the evidence collection process and advise you on your legal options.